Wireless Security

ricedg — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 17:06:02 GMT

For every wireless installation I have carried out there has been at least one unsecured network in range.
I think some people freeze when they see WEP 64/128/256? WPA? WPA-TKIP or WPA-AES?

Heres a link that explains WPA / WPA2 and TKIP / AES encryption http://tinyurl.com/k5q7u

You need to choose the strongest security that is supported by all your wireless devices.
WPA2 AES is the strongest, but needs hardware support that may not be there.
WPA TKIP is pretty much unbreakable anyway.
WEP is better than nothing....

There's a twist with XP (are you surprised)?
To get WPA2 with XP you must have SP2 and update KB893357 http://tinyurl.com/rqldl
For other o/s the OEMs applet usually contains the WPA2 code - check if this is a concern.

Set up the security on the router first - RTFM.
Change the broadcast SSID (the name of your wireless network) to something other than the default. Anything!
Set up the level of security.
If in doubt go for WEP 128 - everything will support that - you can incease it later.
You can find a random key generator here http://tinyurl.com/pgpk2

The PCs:
With XP SP2 you need only select the WLAN you want to connect to then put the generated key in when prompted.
Some cards use a proprietory applet, but the process is much the same.
To save typos I put the key onto a pen drive (or floppy) so as I can copy and paste it in.

You can save a lot of hassle by buying Buffalo kit that supports AOSS.
AOSS automates the proces and ensures each PC is as secure as possible.
http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/AOSS.html
Buffalo is very very good kit too.

ANY security is better than nothing.
If a potential miscreant sees you have security enabled they will go next door where they haven't.

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Wireless Security